In this interview, we delve into the world of Wutang brethren Killarmy’s Dom Pachino. This lyrical powerhouse has solidified his place in music history as a member of Hip Hop’s royal family. The talented emcee shares insight into his life in the music industry, lessons learned and his most current endeavors. It’s time to get into the trenches with this rhyme vet. -interview by Israel “IZ-REAL” Vasquetelle
You reached significant heights in the music industry with Killarmy. What are you most proud of during those early years? Is there something you would have done differently with the knowledge you have now?
First cracking the top ten HipHop/R&B Billboard Charts with our debut album “Silent Weapons.” Being the first and only Latin rapper from my city Staten Island and part of Wutang to gain commercial success in Hip Hop. Seeing myself on Rap City BET for the first time. Hearing myself on Hot 97. And I can’t forget three national tours with Wutang Clan. In hindsight, I would have liked to have studied the publishing aspect of the business. In addition, to making stronger relationships with show promoters.
You signed with fairly significant labels early on. What were those experiences like?
It was life-changing. At the time, I was 18 years old, about a month fresh out of Rikers Island Correctional facility and signed a record deal with Priority Records. To think I was just in jail for a serious crime, where I was rapping in the day room in Rikers, to then recording an album for a major record label. I think Priority did a good job breaking us as a new group and did a decent job with our second album “Dirty Weaponry.” We later signed to Loud Records / Columbia for our third and final album; “Fear, Love & War” as a group. Despite the great reviews and the fact it was a dope album, it didn’t do as well. Due to the fact, the record label Loud was on its way out and didn’t put much marketing and push behind the project at that time.
You’ve made appearances on television and film, what were some of your biggest lessons from those experiences?
Just learning how television works from behind the scene perspectives, as opposed to being a viewer. I actually had a lot of fun shooting TV, shout out to Upright Citizens Brigade cast, Comedy Central, Amy Poehler, and my guy John Stewart. You can catch a picture of me with Rza in Amy’s book “Yes Please.” The experience made me fall in love with cinema. I’m currently focusing with my new company, Napalm Films, to bring the world, good old fashion independent cinema. My first feature and directorial debut titled “L.O.D.,” is slated to go into production late summer 2020.
Can you discuss the workflow for recording T-3 The Killer Concoction?
I recorded the entire T-3 album which is the third installment from my “TERA.IZ.HIM” series in my Napalm Recordings Staten Island, NY studio. I used what I call my GO Green Technique which basically means recording straight from my head to the mic without the use of any paper or writing the lyrics down. Even if I have to do ten takes until its right, I will, until it’s how I want it. That has been my preferred method for the past three or four projects. I kind of just skim through a slew of tracks from my production team and whatever happens to generate a vibe, I start working on it. If it doesn’t grab me, I skip it. That doesn’t necessarily mean it’s not a dope track….just not for me at the time. Sometimes I go back to it and it grabs me at a later time. I’ve been producing heavy lately; completed three fully produced projects. My last solo “Build N Destroy” a compilation titled “Dark Planet” and an album with me and my artist, Bugsy Da God as the TERABAN.
Are you still tight with RZA?
We’re cool. He was my mentor in this business. We might not roll the way we did in the past being he’s doing his thing and I’m busy building my own brand, but the mutual respect is there. He gave me the opportunity to show my talent to the world. To show and prove why I’m not just another bee in the hive, but actually one of the most dangerous and deadly Killer beez to ever hit the circuit. Hence why he named a track, I featured on titled “Terrorist” after me on his debut album RZA as Bobby Digital in Stereo (Gold-certified record) Terrorist sh*t!
What caused you to take time off from the industry?
After having three major label releases with my group and the demise of Loud Records with our last album in 2001, we didn’t have a home as a group which brought tension, frustration and the “what’s next” factor to the group. So instead of sitting still while brothers were unsure and in limbo, I decided to start my own independent label, Napalm Recording, shortly after in 2002 with my debut project TERA.IZ.HIM. It did very well independently while I was still fresh off the major labels’ propelled marketing and never looked back ever since. I continued to release multiple independent projects via mom and pop stores nationally. Then things started to shift with the “dot comers” meaning online record stores coming to prominence. Which didn’t have a negative effect on me because I was doing so well in the indie market. The online record stores would actually reach out to me and unlike the mom and pop distribution they would buy boxes of CDs upfront – not consignment based. Then eventually, that slowed down, which I attributed to bootlegging. So, I was able to lock a few P&D [pressing and distribution] deals. But what I later realized is that if they don’t have a significant vested interest in your product; meaning their cut isn’t in excess of the then-standard 25%, to just press and distribute, they don’t really push your product much. So I got frustrated and took four years and half years off to reevaluate things; cleared my head and got my passion back intact. To now having over two decades of experience managing an independent record company, I am able to re-approach the industry with a vengeance.
Please tell us a bit about your goals with Napalm Recordings?
To bring my brand “Napalm” to the forefront of the Hip Hop game and make it a household name. To continue to release high-quality militant Hip Hop. To be known to the world as the God Father of militant Hip Hop. And have my slogan “Terrorist Sh*t” on the tongues of every urban and suburban kid in the world. It’s a Napalm World, Stamp it in your neck! Much appreciation Insomniac Magazine for the opportunity and your dedication to real Hip Hop since 96! My new album is available via BandCamp. Subscribe to my YouTube channel.
Check out the single below and pick up the T-3 (The Killer Concoction) album here.
